English Premier
2012-01-03 - Tottenham Hotspur vs West Brom
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Tuesday 3 January 2012 - Kick Off 7:45pm
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur are definitely still in the title race after both Manchester City and Manchester United lost their last Premier League games, but a late goal denied them all 3 points in their game at Swansea on Saturday. With an extra game in hand over most of their rivals, Spurs will see the next two home games as crucial if their ambitions are to be realised this season.
The team remain in 3rd place in the Premier League table and could find themselves just 3 points behind Manchester United in 2nd place if they win this game on Tuesday. With Chelsea and Arsenal both losing one of their last two League games, Spurs are 3 points clear of 5th place in the race for the Champions League and have two extra games to play. Spurs are 6-1-1 at White Hart Lane this season, scoring 17 goals and conceding just 8.
Spurs are unbeaten in 4 Premier League games since being beaten by Stoke City, winning 2 of those games and drawing the other 2. They drew their last home game against Chelsea 1-1, but had won 8 of their previous 9 here in all competitions. The team have scored just 1 in each of their last 2 games at home, but had scored at least 2 goals in 5 straight before that.
Scott Parker came off in the weekend draw with Swansea and looks set to miss out here. Aaron Lennon and Tom Huddlestone also miss out, while Ledley King and Sebastien Bassong are both doubts. Jermain Defoe could come back into the side to replace Parker as Harry Redknapp opts for a 4-4-2 formation.
West Brom
Roy Hodgson was so frustrated in the loss to Everton at the weekend that he was seen banging his head against the advertising boards, but he must surely be pleased with their haul over the Christmas period that has helped West Brom move away from the immediate danger of the relegation zone.
After the results on Monday, West Brom moved down to 14th in the Premier League table, although they do have a 7 point gap between themselves and Wigan in the final relegation spot. Hodgson's teams have been known for their struggles away from home, especially in his time at Fulham and Liverpool, but it has been different for him this season. West Brom are 4-2-3 away from home, scoring 12 goals but conceding 15.
West Brom had picked up 7 points from their 9 available before the loss to Everton on Sunday. The Baggies have failed to score a goal in their last 2 League games, but they should still be confident they can pick up a result here in North London after recent performances. West Brom have won their last 2 away games in the Premier League, and are unbeaten in 3 since losing 3-0 at Arsenal- that defeat was their only 1 in 6 away games.
Roy Hodgson has a few injury issues to deal with as Chris Brunt, Shane Long and Youssouf Mulumbu are all major doubts for the game. They are likely joining Jonas Olsson and Steven Reid on the sidelines on Tuesday.
Head to Head
Tottenham beat West Brom 1-3 at the Hawthornes earlier this season as they overcame a 1-0 deficit.
This fixture ended 2-2 last season as a Simon Cox thunderbolt secured West Brom a point with less than 10 minutes remaining.
Spurs had won 5 of their previous 6 home games against West Brom before that draw.
Prediction
This is a big chance for Tottenham Hotspur to close the gap on the teams above them and put a little more distance between themselves and the teams below them in the chase for the Champions League. They have a lot of talent and pace and should cause West Brom problems.
The Baggies are having a few injury issues and that could cause a few problems as they try and stay with Spurs in this game. The loss of Brunt and Long will be make it tough for the Baggies to create chances in this game, while the defensive miss of Jonas Olsson could make it hard to contain Spurs.
Scott Parker's absence will be a miss for Spurs, but I think they have too much going forward for West Brom to cope and I will back them to cover the Asian Handicap.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 West Brom
